Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly made a statement last night, sending running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills. In return, the Eagles got linebacker Kiko Alonso.
ESPN first reported the deal, noting that it won’t be official until the league year starts on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Sources for ESPN said that McCoy wasn’t exactly happy with the idea, especially since he is from Pennsylvania and has spent his entire career playing in the state. He was drafted by the Eagles in 2009 and had a fantastic 2013, Kelly’s first year as Eagles coach. That year, he ran for 1,607 yards and played in every game.
McCoy played in every game last season as well, but saw a decline in numbers. He ran for 1,319 yards and had five touchdowns. The Eagles ended the season 10-6, just missing the playoffs.
Despite McCoy’s success, sources told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the trade wasn’t a complete shock. Some thought that he would be a part of a big deal for the Eagles to move up in the draft so Kelly could pick Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. While he didn’t end up as a part of that puzzle, the Inquirer notes that some still think Kelly is going to make a move so Mariota could play in Philadelphia.
Alonso played for Kelly at Oregon, and is coming off a major injury. He didn’t play for the Bills at all in 2014 due to a torn ACL in his left knee. Still, he did have a great rookie year in 2013, racking up 159 tackles and four interceptions.
After two seasons in the league, it’s clear that Kelly is ready to make the Eagles his team. He also released veteran defensive end Trent Cole and cornerback Cary Williams on Tuesday.